Lower Monkhall

A single tree stands proud in a field of wheat.

Like many others sadly locked.

Not recommended for a low sports car.

Double fronted mock Tudor.

Dating from 1713-14, built for Sir Whitmore Acton, probably to the designs of Francis Smith of Warwick. The pinkish-red brick facade is divided into a 2-3-2 rhythm by giant rusticated pilaster strips. Grade I listed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the C18th architectural hierarchy, Smith (1672-1738) lay somewhere between the London elite and the breed of skilled, provincial builder-architects who created substantial parts of the built fabric of the country that we see today. It's likely that brick dust ran in his veins - his father, also Francis, and his brother, William, were bricklayers, his elder brother Richard was also in the trade, and Francis's son, William, inherited his practice. Centred around Warwick, Francis built up a substantial practice, designing numerous country houses for the Midlands gentry, covering every county in the region except Nottinghamshire, as well as churches and the odd public building. After the catastrophic fire of 1694 in Warwick, he and William were contracted to supervise rebuilding and rebuilt parts of the town themselves. Francis assembled a small band of talented craftsmen to whom he returned time and time again. Whilst not particularly innovative, his commissions were secured on the back of building attractive houses to high standards of craftsmanship, his trustworthiness and reliability. Two members of the London elite, James Gibbs and Thomas Archer, entrusted Francis to execute several of their designs, and it seems likely that in at least one of these cases he modified the building to his own designs.

A modern folly built to disguise a water tank.

Looking towards the B4368.

The B4368 links Craven Arms with Morville, near Bridgnorth. It is a very attractive rural route which tempts drivers into faster speeds than are safe in some places.

Extensive wheat fields are ready for harvest, and work is progressing in many fields in the region. This field is already stubble, awaiting preparation for the next crop.

Extensive wheat fields are ready for harvest, and work is progressing in many fields in the region. This field is already stubble, awaiting preparation for the next crop.

The land is north of Brickyard Farm.

Originally erected in 1921, with restoration work carried out in 2000. The base is made from an old cider press stone, whilst the shaft and cross are oak and the memorial is to two local men who died in the first World War. Grade II listed Link & Link in 2018.

An OS cutmark at the base of the gateway into the church yard from the road; last levelled by the OS in 1973 at 130.755m above Ordnance Datum Newlyn.

A rather fine village church, with traces of its original 12th century structure still visible, particularly in some of the window openings. The tower was built in 1835. Grade II* listed Link & Link in 1970.

Located on an outhouse beside the Old Schoolhouse just outside the village, and rather obscured by vegetation. This mark was last levelled by the OS in 1973 at 143.507m above Ordnance Datum Newlyn.